This year give the birthday princess what she wants – jewels. Glitzy, blingy jewels – in the form of candy that is! Make her day by combining your favorite royal colors with chocolate for a cake that will make her grin. Make an extra batch of candy jewels for party favors tied up in simple bags – reminiscent of a time when everyday was dress up day.

To make the candied jewel cake you will need the following: 1 box of cake mix (any flavor, we used a spice cake) or homemade cake, 1 can of frosting or homemade frosting, and a jewel chocolate candy mold (18 cavities, dimensions per cavity: largest 1-1/2″ x 1-1/4″). Plus chocolate candy melts (white, or jewel toned colors) and candy colors (we used oil-based dyes to tint white candy melts).

Start by making your cake. Frost the cake, and place in fridge to set.

Make jewels to decorate the cake. Choose a candy melt color. Follow instructions to melt about 10 candies in the microwave (or double boiler). Alternatively, use white candy and melt them. Dye the candy with oil-based dyes to achieve different shades. We love the look of deep jewel tones for this project – burnt orange, purple, etc.

While still warm, place melted chocolate in a small ziplock bag with the corner snipped off and squeeze melted chocolate into 3 or 4 molds. Repeat with other colors. From an 18 mold set, you can create 5 or 6 differently colored jewels. Allow melted chocolates to set. Remove carefully from mold. Place a dab of frosting on the back of a jewel. Position on the side of cake and press lightly to allow it to adhere. Place jewels all around the cake, and use extra jewels to decorate the top of the cake and be prepared to dazzle your party guests.